What did you cut today?

mr2quik22 · September 21, 2026, 7:08pm

Ken-
The basic workflow is CAD → CAM → post processor → G-code → Maslow. The biggest thing is choosing a CAD/CAM package with a post-processing path that produces G-code compatible with Maslow/FluidNC. I’d start with the Maslow documentation and forum sections on CAD/CAM and post processors. There’s a lot of good information already there on the software people are using and the workflows that have been proven to work.

MR2QUIK

wouldchuck · September 21, 2026, 7:24pm

Hello Kenedove,

I have not had any problems using various cam programs to build gcode.

Quick list of programs known to make good gcode:
Krabzcam (made by forum member)
Freazycam (made by forum member)

More options and discussion here:

github.com/MaslowCNC/Maslow_4

docs/SoftwareLibrary.md

Maslow-Main

# Software Library


**QUICK START TIP: use Inkscape to draw something with no fill. Export as a regular .svg (not inkscape svg)  Upload that to Krabscam.com build paths for the tools that you have and then Export as a .nc Gcode file which can up uploaded to your Maslow.**

This file is a place to share software recommendations that have been useful. All costs listed are estimates reported by contributors and have not been checked. Good opensource programs are listed first in each category otherwise no particular promotion is intended and all links have been submitted by community members.  

Maslow needs **Gcode** instructions to work.  There are many ways to generate those. Gcode is a human readable programming language that consists of a list of instructions that are sent to a machine to tell it how to move. They are mostly x,y,z coordinates and how to move between them. Instructions include curves, straight lines, and speeds. 3D printers and many other robots use gcode. 

You can open a Gcode file up in a text editor and edit it by hand if you need to.  You could cut parts out.  Only run half of the program, change distances and speeds all by typing in numbers in the Gcode code system.  It is not hard to learn the basics. (insert Gcode library link) 

THere are many many options to get to a sucessful Gcode for Maslow4 Some programs can do all of the steps, some can only do one or two. 


Generally a design will start in a program that lets you draw or specify the shapes for your design. You could use a **2D Vector drawing** program like Inkscape or Adobe Illustrator or a **three dimensional program** like Blender or Autodesk. 
Key words for these programs are **Vector drawing or Computer Aided Design CAD** programs. Files can be .**.dxf .svg .stl** but generally not .png or .jpg (bitmap pictures) 


Once you have a mathematcially defined shape, it needs to be translated into Gcode. The programs that can do this are called **Computer Aided Machining or CAM** programs. Examples are Krabzcam on the web, a wonderful and effective 2 dimensional free project. Autodesk and Autocad can do this too. In these programs you would describe the geometry of the router bit that you are using and the type of operation that you would like to do to the wood, like drilling or a profile cut or a shallow pocket cut and then the program designs a pathway for that particular router bit to leave the wood or material behind that you need as it cuts. The resulting file needs to be a **.nc Gcode file**.

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and here:

kenedove · September 22, 2026, 5:18pm

Thank you…
That is great!

Ken

Someone replied to your post.

| mr2quik22
September 21 |

| - |

Ken-
The basic workflow is CAD → CAM → post processor → G-code → Maslow. The biggest thing is choosing a CAD/CAM package with a post-processing path that produces G-code compatible with Maslow/FluidNC. I’d start with the Maslow documentation and forum sections on CAD/CAM and post processors. There’s a lot of good information already there on the software people are using and the workflows that have been proven to work.

MR2QUIK

gimmespamnow · October 3, 2026, 3:17am

I have wanted to do a concrete tabletop that was supported by a central column that flared out at the top. So many layers of plywood were cut with the Maslow in larger and larger 1/3rds of circles, and then I sanded the steps down with a sanding disk and poured the concrete. It worked!

wouldchuck · October 3, 2026, 5:19am

Neat. Cool to see it work. Looks sturdy and elegant

Paul_Smyk · October 11, 2026, 12:06am

I haven’t posted much recently, but my Maslow is still hard at work. Here is my latest (very satisfying) project. A small detail on the boat hatch.

wouldchuck · October 11, 2026, 5:41am

Yay! Cool to see progress

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What did you cut today?

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